Leaving Scope Outdoors?

[shaneaust]

I have found that the best time to get excellent views of the heavens from where I am situated is around 2.00 am.

Although its not getting as cold at night as it was, it's still cold, with some dampness in the air.

My concern is setting up my scope at around 8 pm, and leaving it out for that length of time. I am trying to do some astrophotography, and at the moment I want to get the Moon out of the way, hence the interest in 2 am.

In general, is it okay to leave a scope outside at night for 6 hours or so - or should I wrap it in some kind of covering? I live in northern Vic.

Thx

[Dennis]

If the 'scope is a refractor or SCT, I suspect that even if you cover it with a tarpaulin, dew will form on the objective lens or corrector, the finder scope and any eyepieces attached. Not sure about Newts as I've never had one.

I have left mine outside for 3 or 4 hours with Kendrick dew heaters on the objective lens (refractor) and corrector plate (SCT) and they remained dew free. The finder dewed over completely.

I know of one person who has designed a low power heater strip that he wraps around his 'scope before going to bed and in the morning, when he removes the tarpaulin, the ‘scope is dry.

Only on exceptionally dry nights have I enjoyed dew free observing all night long.

Cheers

Dennis

[leon]

I often leave mine out till very late, usually cover it with a thick towel first and then some white plastic, the stuff they use on babies cots when they are young to protect the mattress, never a problem, works great.

Leon

The towel absorbs any mositure that may form

[ballaratdragons]

Dew? What's that? I just let mine ice up :lol:

Hasn't caused a problem yet. :thumbsup:

[Adrian-H]

its cold where i am, and my refractor used to get frozen like kens dob, i used to have dew all the time,

i leave my scope out all night from dusk till dawn.

i have installed a Orion 5" Dew Zapper though, and i havent had these problems since.

i hope you wear gloves ken, i wouldnt go without mine..

[joe_smith]

Ken, who's John Hancock's signature is that?

[Adrian-H]

looks like john dobsonians signature i think.

[matt]

john dobson

[ballaratdragons]

Yep, I got John Dobson to sign my OTA when he came to Ballarat.

I covered it with Clear contact so it will never rub off. :thumbsup: